David Harwell

Objective

ØPolitical Strategy/Communications: 20+ years of political strategy/communications for national/state candidates and issues.

ØCrisis Communications: Spokesperson for high profile state divisions and controversial national advocacy organization at high risk for ongoing crises. Adept at responding quickly, accurately, and honestly to inquiries and serving as a buffer to press/media.

ØCreative Talents: Highly creative and visual professional with keen eye for design, color, and style. Accomplishments include overseeing and developing new logo for Motor Vehicle Division that was adopted statewide.

ØSpeechwriting: Speechwriter for Congressman from Louisiana and Cabinet Secretary at Taxation and Revenue Department. Authored approximately 40 speeches during career.

Summary

.extensive experience in CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS, SPEECH WRITING, POLITICAL STRATEGY and a reputation for delivering results. I have just completed 4 months as Director of Communications for a candidate running for State Democratic Chair of New Mexico. The campaign was aggressive, fast paced and had several messaging components. I am creative, visual and spill out my passion and vision each day for progressive causes. Most recently, I served as Director of Communications & Public Information Officer for Department of Indian Affairs, where I was the spokesperson, handling all press/media relations for the State Cabinet Department championing the interests of the state’s Native Americans. Successes included expanding coverage of Native American issues and strengthening poor internal/external communications. To be successful in this business requires, sharp political and communication skills and most importantly, EDGINESS. I have it.

Work experience

Work experience

Director of Communications

SAM FOR CHAIR

Aug 2009 - Jan 2010

Director of Communications

State of New Mexico

Hand-picked as spokesperson to manage all press/media relations for State Cabinet Department representing and protecting interests of state's Native American population. Serve as integral member of Senior Executive team, updating and executing department's strategic plan. Expanded coverage of Native American issues by improving relations with local and state press/media. Leveraged existing relationships with Governor's Office to turnaround poor communications with Cabinet Secretary. Improved internal communications between Cabinet Secretary and staff by promoting an open positive atmosphere.

Jun 2009 - Aug 2009

Sr. Policy Analyst and PIO

State of New Mexico

Hired as spokesperson for State Cabinet Department charged with developing annual state budget and approving all state expenditures. Systematically tackled all media and press calls as well as all public information requests while producing Budget in Brief (annual document outlining proposed state budget).

-Scripted comments for Cabinet Secretary’s presentation to annual meeting of State Chamber of Commerce, outlining state budget.

Feb 2006 - Jun 2009

Director of Communications

State of New Mexico

Brought in to State Cabinet Department position vacant for months and comprised of 7 divisions. Challenged to manage public information for several very high profile divisions, including State Motor Vehicle Division, while repairing relationships with media and improving morale of disgruntle employees on shoestring budget.

-Boosted employee satisfaction by implementing “Breakfast with the Cabinet Secretary,” employee recognition awards/events, and Secretary visits to employee work spaces.